Make it Special:
In our busy lives, it’s easy to save the best things for later or reserve it for holidays—the nice dishes, the good candles, the fancy teacups. But why wait for a special occasion to elevate the everyday? By bringing a touch of luxury to our daily routines, we can create moments of joy and make any day feel extraordinary. Whether it’s a beautifully set table, a whimsical tea party, or simply using the "good" china, these little touches can turn the mundane into something memorable. Let's explore how to elevate the moments and make them special, just because we can:
Setting a Proper Table
Why reserve a beautifully set table for holidays or special occasions? Elevating a simple meal can turn an ordinary day into a memorable experience. It can be fun to set a nice proper table for no reason at all, but it can be especially nice if someone in your family has had a rough day, or you have! Here's how to set a proper table to make any meal feel special:
Tablecloth or Runner Start with a clean tablecloth or a runner It instantly adds elegance.
Place Settings: Use cloth napkins folded neatly. Place the dinner plate in the center, salad plate or bowl on top, and utensils in the correct order—forks on the left, knives and spoons on the right. Here are some great illustrations of how to set a casual table and formal table.
Glassware: Even if it's just water, use your nicest glasses. It makes the simplest drink feel luxurious.
Centerpiece: Add a small centerpiece, like fresh flowers or a candle. Keep it low to maintain conversation flow.
Psst: you can do this on the coffee table too! Elevate wherever you are!
Using China and Nice Dishes
Special dishes shouldn't be confined to a cabinet collecting dust. If you store them for memorty's sake the will honor somone more by being used, even though the risk of braking is increased. Here's why and how to use your best china, even for everyday meals:
Daily Joy: Why not enjoy the beauty of your fine china daily? Even simple meals like fish sticks feel special on elegant plates.
Mix and Match: Don't worry if you don't have a complete set. Mixing different pieces can add charm.
Create Traditions: Using special dishes regularly can create cherished memories, turning any meal into an occasion.
Tea Party Fun
Transform snack time into a whimsical tea party. This is such a fun experience for kids and adults alike.
Set the Scene: Use your china tea set, even if it's just for juice or milk.
Mini Treats: Serve small sandwiches, cookies, or fruit. The miniature size adds to the fun-carrot sticks work great!
Engage in Play: Encourage imagination. Let the kids dress up or create a theme for the tea party.
Tip: Picky eaters love this! My children weren't picky, but often ate very small amounts. When I started making afternoon snack as a tea party they suddenly ate better! So many carrot sticks!! My 30 year old son still likes to eat snacks on china!
The Joy of a Fancy Cup
I am a firm believer that when life is bumpy we should use fancy cups! I find that pausing for a cup of hot tea and using a fancy teacup or drinking fizzy water in a special glass lifts me up, even if it is just for a moment! I believe in this so much so that I've been known to gift a fancy cup when a friend is having a hard time! Embrace the fancy!
Mindful Pause: Sipping slowly from a delicate cup encourages mindfulness and relaxation and uplifted feeling.
Elevated Experience: The elegance of a fancy cup transforms a simple drink into a special ritual. I like to pause around 3:30 each day and have hot tea or a latte in a fancy cup. This ritual allows me to pause from all of the commotion of the morning and regroup for the things coming up in the evening.
It doesn't have to take long: Don't let time steal this from you, it only takes a few minutes to work it's magic!
Other Ways to Make It Special for No Reason
Light Candles: Even during a regular dinner, candles can create a cozy atmosphere.
Music: Play soft background music to enhance the ambiance.
Handwritten Notes: Leave small notes of appreciation or encouragement at the table.
Fresh Flowers: A simple bouquet can brighten any room and mood.
Dress Up: Encourage family members to dress nicely for dinner, just for fun.
Go Out at Home: I started doing this during lockdowns and would make an Italian meal and set the table to look like we were dining in an Italian restaurant and would stream appropriate music. We liked it so much that we've done it for other themed meals as well.
Picnic: Even a picnic can be elevated. Make dinner and spread a blanket on the ground and gather round imagining that you are in a picnic scene from a movie.
Incorporating small, thoughtful touches into everyday life can transform the mundane into something magical. Whether it's setting a beautiful table, using your best china, or taking a mindful tea break, these little luxuries remind us to slow down and savor the moment.
Celebrate the ordinary and make everyday moments special.
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